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The Kirk's General Assembly voted on Saturday to allow congregations to appoint gay ministers in civil partnerships

A decision by the Church of Scotland on the position of ministers who wish to enter same-sex marriages has been delayed to allow wider consultation.

The issue was being debated at the Kirk's General Assembly.

It follows a vote earlier this week to allow congregations to appoint gay ministers in civil partnerships.

The Church's presbyteries, or local areas, will now be asked to vote on extending this to ministers in same-sex marriages, before it can be approved.

Commenting on the Assembly's decision, Very Reverend David Arnott, co-ordinator of the principal clerk's office, said: "The General Assembly understood this to be a logical extension of the benefits which accrue to those in civil partnership.

"Very Rev Prof Iain Torrance assured the assembly the Theological Forum will bring a report on same sex marriage to a future Assembly, which we will look forward to.

"Out of a pastoral concern for the whole church, the General Assembly decided to pass this overture to the presbyteries who will report to the assembly in May 2016."

'Mixed economy'

If a majority of Presbyteries give their approval, the matter will return to the General Assembly next year, where a final decision will be taken.